The NFL and NFL Players Association are getting close to reaching an agreement that would implement testing for human growth hormone. While the progress is probably making some players nervous, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson says he can’t wait for the increased testing.
Peterson’s return to form last year after suffering a torn ACL at the end of the 2011 season was nothing short of incredible. The level he played at after the injury almost defied science, which is why some have speculated that he used performance-enhancing drugs to recover so quickly. According to ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert, Peterson wants HGH testing to help put that chatter to rest.
“I don’t worry about those types of supplements, using those, because I’m all natural,” Peterson said Friday at Vikings training camp. “I work hard. This right here, it’s a test for me personally, that I know that, ‘Hey, I’m clean as a whistle,’ and other guys as well. And then, like I say, it’ll bring some guys to the forefront and be like, ‘Hey, I guess this is how this guy’s been performing so well.'”
While he insists he has never used a banned substance, Peterson said he is certain there are players in the league currently using HGH.
“You’ve got HGH, something that doesn’t show up on a test, and you’ve got guys out there trying to provide for their families,” he said. “They’re going to try to get that edge, get that advantage, especially if they’re not worried about trying to get caught. Yeah, it’s being used.”
Contrary to popular belief, steroids aren’t only an issue in baseball. The confidentiality of failed tests in the NFL protects players’ images, which makes it even more tempting. HGH testing should help counter some of that.
